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Minneapolis Travelers – Find a Temporary Home Abroad

July 29, 2010 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Relocation Resources, plymouth mn

There’s nothing worse than traveling to a foreign country and discovering that your temporary home away from home is a dump!  It’s not easy to find good places to stay.  Luckily, these days there are many reliable websites on which you can find more than suitable accommodations for a trip.

Frankly, I don’t like the idea of staying in the tourist-ey areas of places.  It’s like riding the tour bus to the sights and not getting off the bus.  You’re not REALLY seeing what there is to see, you’re seeing a reasonable facsimile of the city.  Heck, if I wanted that, I’d just go to EPCOT or Las Vegas! (not that there’s anything wrong with that)

So, I’d much rather stay in a place that’s off the beaten path to soak up more of the local culture.  And, true to form, the internet is providing more and more websites for travelers to find such quarters. AirBnB.com is the largest of this new generation of social B&B’s and has garnered the most reviews for their offerings.  Istopover.com started in 2009 in Toronto.  They specialize in big event accommodations.  Crashpadder.com originated in London and can find you everything from a room in a house to a WHOLE house!  Roomorama.com is more geared toward high end properties, especially in New York city.

I imagine, if you had a place for people traveling to Minneapolis or St. Paul, you could probably list it on these sites, too.

For assistance with more permanent houses for sale in Minneapolis cities, contact me today!

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Buyer Classes – Get Educated!

March 10, 2010 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Relocation Resources, Upcoming Events

03/18/2010
6:30 pmto8:00 pm
03/25/2010
6:30 pmto8:00 pm

There are so many buyer classes available.  But, you want to get your education from the best.  The MN Real Estate Team has been the #1 team in the State of MN since 2006.  We’re now #3 nation wide and #8 world wide!!  That’s quite a distinction.  These standings show that we can get the job done.

We are now offering classes in 2 locations!  Burnsville AND Shoreview.  We heard from so many buyers, we had to offer more locations to accommodate everyone.

The first class is Thursday, March 18th from 6:30-8:00 at Cornerstone Mortgage in Burnsville.  The next is in Shoreview on Thursday, March 25th at the Shoreview Community Center.  The Minnesota Real Estate Team Home buyer experts and home loan partners from Cornerstone will walk you through the process from start to finish.  Topics include the home buyer tax credits and how they fit in to your scenario, how the home buying process works, how to obtain a mortgage, all of the special financing programs and SO much more.

Cornerstone Home Loans – 436 Gateway Blvd., Burnsville, MN

Shoreview Community Center – 4580 Victoria St N #203, Shoreview, MN

It’s a good idea to register in advance as seating is limited.  Click here to register

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Home Buying Power – Minneapolis

February 08, 2010 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Upcoming Events, plymouth mn

02/25/2010
6:30 pmto8:00 pm

Are you a First Time Home Buyer or a Repeat Home Seller/Buyer? Not sure what to expect? Do you qualify for tax credits? How do you get pre-approved? Come learn about the buying process, from working with a loan officer to getting pre-approved and house-hunting with a Realtor, to getting your offer accepted and finally closing on your home!

Join Darcy McDonald of Cornerstone Mortgage and The Minnesota Real Estate Team as they guide you through your real estate transaction. They will educate you about today’s current market, extended tax credits and special loans for those homes that may need a little TLC. Bring your questions we will be happy to help you get answers! After this seminar you will be prepared to hit the ground running and enjoy the adventure to get to your new home!

Location: Shoreview Community Center,4580 Victoria St N #203, Shoreview, MN. Seating is limited, so please register in advance to secure your placement.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Free First Time Home Buyer Class – Thursday January 21

January 01, 2010 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Upcoming Events, plymouth mn

01/21/2010
6:30 pmto8:00 pm

There’s so much to know about buying a house, especially if this is your first time.  And, now, with the housing market being so volatile, it’s more important than ever for buyers of homes for sale in Minneapolis cities to be informed consumers.  Home buyers need to know about:

  • The home buying process
  • Mortgage pre-approval
  • Inspections
  • Insurances
  • Agent representation
  • Negotiating an offer

And, so much more.  This free class, Buying Power For First Time Home Buyers, is tailor made for those who have inquiring minds!  Among the topics covered, you’ll learn

  • How to choose an agent
  • Decision making about mortgages
  • First time buyer tax credit
  • How to pay for fix ups

Among other information of importance.  This valuable education will prepare you to hit the ground running for your first home purchase.  We at the MN Real Estate Team and Cornerstone Home Loans have prepared this class to lead you through the groundwork of what it takes.  Click here to register or call me today!!!

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Buying Power for First Time Home Buyers – Thursday, December 17th, 6:30- 8PM

December 12, 2009 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Relocation Resources, Upcoming Events, plymouth mn

12/17/2009
6:30 pmto8:00 pm

dreamstime_404756817Daunting, mysterious, scary — are these words that describe your feelings about buying your first home? Just say “no” to the negatives and “yes” to the positives! Come learn about the buying process, from working with a loan officer to getting pre-approved and house-hunting with a REALTOR®, to getting your offer accepted and finally closing on YOUR first home! Learn about the special first-time buyer programs that are available just for you. Many programs offer down-payment and closing cost assistance as well as lower-than-market interest rates.

Join Cornerstone Mortgage and The Minnesota Real Estate Team as they lay the groundwork for you to travel through the real estate transaction. This seminar is set up to show you how to get off to a fast start, and prepare you for every step along the way until you reach the end of your journey — moving into your new home. They will also address today’s current marketplace, the extended tax credit and special loans to help you fix up those not-so-nice houses. After attending this seminar your feelings about buying a home will be fun, exciting, and easy. Feel free to bring your questions and get ready to become educated on buying your first home!

REGISTER

Space is limited, so registration is recommended. Call to register 763-438-7249 All seminars held at 436 Gateway Blvd., Burnsville, MN.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Real Estate Investing 101 Seminar – Tuesday, December 15th, 6:30-8PM

December 11, 2009 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Relocation Resources, Sellers, Upcoming Events, plymouth mn

12/15/2009
6:30 pmto8:00 pm

dreamstime_8427614From his experience of owning 15 rental properties, Ryan O’Neill will teach you a concrete, non-infomercial way to build wealth through real estate. This seminar will be a one and a half hour presentation in regards to wealth building through real estate. There is no charge at all, no contracts you sign with us, no consultation fees, no hidden agenda. The seminar simply will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about our process: how you get pre-approved, what type of low-down loan product to choose, and then how we step you through the process of finding the home and helping you get it rented out. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced investor, this will be a great chance for you to learn more about how you can build your long term wealth through buying real estate. Again, all of those teaching the seminars own rental properties. Our team leader, Ryan O’Neill owns 15 single-family homes, and our mortgage coach Rob Bonahoom has over 20 properties. All of us have experienced the benefits of real estate, and we’re excited to share a free seminar with you on how you too can get into the game (or continue on).

REGISTRATION

Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. You may call to register. 763-438-7249

All seminars held at Cornerstone Home Loans Conference Room- 436 Gateway Blvd., Burnsville MN.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Home for Sale Plymouth MN – Acreage You Need to See

November 19, 2009 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Featured Home Listings, Maple Grove mn, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Sellers, plymouth mn

563227_500You’ll be impressed! This fabulous 2 story, with 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms is the property you’ve been waiting for. A country setting with all the modern amenities. Heated floors throughout, large lower level family room AND amusement room, main level private owner’s suite with nature views everywhere you look. Oversized 3 car garage with workshop. Plymouth says pole barns are OK. A 2004 house with Medina-like acreage at this price can’t be beat!diningroomkitchen_5001greatroom1_5001

Check here for more details.

Please contact me today to find the right property for you.  Remember, it’s in your best interests to have the right agent representing you.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Expand Your Vocabulary – Real Estate Terms

November 18, 2009 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Maple Grove mn, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Relocation Resources, Sellers

850a8When entering in to the real estate arena, there are so many terms thrown around, it can almost feel like another language.  It can be very ostracizing to hear lots of language and anagrams that make no sense to you!  It’s part of the function of real estate agents to become an educator for their client.  And, part of that education includes familiarizing clients with the terms they with which they will inevitably be introduced.

Sometimes it’s easier to take things slowly rather than trying to assimilate too much information at once.  I will be posting the

REAL ESTATE TERM OF THE DAY

Today’s term:  AGENCY

An “agency” relationship occurs when a PRINCIPAL (in this case a buyer or seller) appoints another person (in this case a REALTOR®) to represent their best interests during the course of a real estate transaction.   Minnesota law requires that early in the relationship, real estate brokers and salespersons discuss with consumers what type of agency representation or relationship they desire:
  • Seller’s Broker
  • Buyer’s Broker
  • Dual Agency
  • Facilitator

By virtue of the establishment of any of these agency relationships, agents are bound to adhere to these fiduciary duties:

  • Loyalty-broker/salesperson will act only in  client’s best interst
  • Obedience – broker/salesperson will carry out all client’s lawful instructions.
  • Disclosure – broker/salesperson will disclose to client all material facts of which broker/salesperson has knowledge which might reasonably affect the client’s use or enjoyment of the property.
  • Confidentiality – broker/salesperson will keep client’s confidences unless required by law to disclose specific information (such as disclosure of material facts  to buyers.)
  • Reasonable Care – broker/slaesperson will use reasonable care in performing duties as an agent.
  • Accounting – broker/salesperson will account to client for all client’s money and property received as an agent.

These disclosures MUST be presented to clients upon the first substantive contact.  While that phrase is subject to interpretation, this agent feels it should be at the very first conversation where any topics of substance are discussed.

Did someone have this conversation with you?  When you want an agent who will guide you through the process from day one with everything out in the open, contact me.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.



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Tax Credit Revisited – Helps ALL Minneapolis Home Buyers

November 08, 2009 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Relocation Resources, Sellers, plymouth mn

We’ve had 2 years of tax credits for first time home buyers.  Those were wonderful programs to provide assistance to the beginners to the home buying process.  They have been purchasing the foreclosed and distressed properties that are on the low end of the economic food chain.US Individual tax return form 1040 But what about folks who have a house to sell and want to buy another property?  With the real estate prices on the decline of late, there was little money left to pay the expenses that rest on the seller’s shoulders.  So, the home buying process stagnated with that middle sector of the home buying public.  Which made for a slow moving middle and high priced housing market.  Enter the new plan!!!!!

The original $8000 tax credit is still in place for first time home buyers, but the income limits have been extended a bit. It used to be $75,000 for a single and $150,000 for a couple.  Now, it’s $125,000 for single and $225,000 for a couple!  That should assist some buyers who have been sitting on the fence.  In addition, there is a $6500 tax credit being offered to those who will sell their current home and purchase another residence.  Some restrictions apply:  they must have lived in the house they’re selling for at least 5 years and they must be purchasing a residence they will be living in, it cannot be a second home or an investment property.

I view these credits with cautious optimism.  While it’s a good idea to offer some incentives to get this very large sector of our economy moving again, I am trepidatious about how this tax credit will impact our overall spendable income as a nation as well as how it will be incorporated in to the picture of the nation’s financial “recovery”.  I don’t want there to be any question that, while these dollars are meant to offer assistance, it should not be discounted when making calculations regarding what made these purchases possible, in part.

Read this article for more clarification about how theses credits work.  Then, call me right away to get started before your time runs out!!! This benefit expires on April 30, 2010, which means you must have an offer turned in and accepted by then with a closing date set for no later than June 30, 2010.  Contact me today to make an appointment so we can get your file up and running.

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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Investing in Real Estate 101 – Great Prices on MN Homes For Sale!

November 03, 2009 By: Susan Hofflander Category: Buyers, Community Info, Maple Grove mn, Market Trends, Minneapolis, Minneapolis lofts and condos, Miscellaneous, Mortgage Info, Relocation Resources, Sellers, Upcoming Events, plymouth mn

11/17/2009
6:30 pmto8:00 pm
oneillryanwebFrom his experience of owning 15 rental properties, Ryan O’Neill will teach you a concrete, non-infomercial way to build wealth through real estate. This seminar will be a one and a half hour presentation in regards to wealth building through real estate. There is no charge at all, no contracts you sign with us, no consultation fees, no hidden agenda. The seminar simply will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about our process: how you get pre-approved, what type of low-down loan product to choose, and then how we step you through the process of finding the home and helping you get it rented out. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced investor, this will be a great chance for you to learn more about how you can build your long term wealth through buying real estate. Our team leader, Ryan O’Neill owns 15 single-family homes, and our mortgage coach Rob Bonahoom has over 20 properties. All of us have experienced the benefits of real estate, and we’re excited to share a free seminar with you on how you too can get into the game (or continue on).
Click here to sign up or call me today!

Future Dates: December 15

Susan Hofflander is a seasoned real estate professional, providing real estate consultations for home buyers and sellers in the Twin Cities since 1994. Susan specializes in homes for sale in Lake Calhoun/Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN, Minneapolis Western Suburban Cities and Downtown Minneapolis Lofts.

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